Severn: It’s a Vibe!

The formal program included speeches from students representing the Lower, Middle, and Upper School, formal introductions of each class, recognition of milestone anniversaries for Severn faculty and staff, and remarks by Head of School Doug Lagarde.

Special Significance Leads to New Tradition

This year’s Convocation held a special significance because, for the first time in school history, the entire Admiral community is together on Teel Campus due to the Chesapeake Campus rebuild. This unique circumstance prompted a new tradition: a welcome line to celebrate new members and the entire Lower School. Returning Severn students, staff and faculty lined the walkway in front of the gym and offered handshakes, high-fives, and enthusiastic applause to the new community members as they made their way through the line.

Following another beloved tradition, members of the senior class escorted kindergarten and first-grade students to Convocation, where they were seated together. Afterwards, the seniors gifted each young student a book –The Magical Yet by Angela DiTerlizzi – that they read together in the Zimmerman Library. To the delight of the crowd, the seniors and their Lower School counterparts were the final group to process through the welcome line.

One student from each division – Lower, Middle, Upper – is invited to speak at Convocation, setting the tone for the year for their classmates. Harrison ’33 was the Lower School representative, who spoke about 2025-26 being a “year like no other”, and about the characteristics that will best serve students this year – kindness, generosity, flexibility, and good humor. “I see this year as an opportunity to make new friends,” he said. “We should expect the unexpected as we broaden our horizons beyond the blue top!”

Harrison also earned a big round of applause for his perfect encapsulation of the school community, saying, “Severn: it’s a vibe!”

Charlie Fifer ’30 represented the Middle School, sharing what he feels are worthy goals and hopes for the new school year, including helping everyone to feel included, being prepared, and always trying one’s best.

Marcus Schwartz ’26 was the final student to address the Admiral community, reflecting on a Walt Whitman quote that was central to a scene in Ted Lasso, one of his favorite TV shows: “Be curious, not judgmental”.

“These four words are perfect advice for the school year,” said Schwartz. He implored his classmates to stay curious, saying, “When you’re focused on worrying about what comes next, you miss all the excitement.”

Finally, Doug Lagarde – who is beginning his 20th year at Severn School – addressed the Admiral community, encouraging students to invest their attention in things they value. He also spoke about staying open and curious and trusting that doing so will lead to stronger relationships and deeper purpose. “What you have in Severn is a community that believes in possibilities,” he said. “That’s the magic of Severn.”

More than 20 employees were recognized during Convocation for milestone anniversaries that ranged from five to 50 years. Impressively, Middle School teacher Cathy Carper is beginning her 40th year of teaching and Upper School teacher John Bodley his 50th. Bodley is the only teacher in Severn’s history to achieve this length of service.

In another highlight of the program, the Class of 2026 – this year’s seniors – received a standing ovation when they were the final class to stand and be introduced at what was their final Severn Convocation.